Country Breakfast Recipe

Make the oatmeal: in a small saucepan combine 1 cup rolled oats, 1½ cups milk or water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. If using quick oats, reduce cooking time to 1–2 minutes.

Stir in a small pat of butter or splash of milk if desired. Spoon oatmeal into a serving bowl and top half with 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt and sprinkle ½ cup granola alongside or on top, so both oatmeal and granola are available.

Cook bacon

Place 3 strips of applewood smoked bacon in a cold skillet, then turn heat to medium. Cook 6–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until crisped to your liking. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Cook sausage patty

While bacon cooks (or in a separate skillet), heat 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the 3–4 oz sausage patty and cook 4–5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (internal temperature 160°F / 71°C). Transfer to the plate with bacon and keep warm.

Cook eggs any style (example: over-easy)

In a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat melt 1 tablespoon butter. Crack 2 large eggs into the skillet. For over-easy: cook until whites are set, about 2–3 minutes, then carefully flip and cook 20–30 seconds for a runny yolk (or longer for medium/firm yolks). Season with a pinch of salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. For scrambled: whisk eggs with a tablespoon of milk, pour into skillet and stir gently until softly set.

Prepare fruit: rinse and drain 1 cup mixed fresh fruit. Cut larger pieces (apple or melon) into bite-sized slices and arrange on the plate next to the oatmeal and meats.

Toast bread: toast 2 slices of your chosen bread to desired doneness. Spread butter or your chosen spread while warm.

Pour 6 oz of orange juice (or chosen juice) into a glass and brew an 8 oz cup of coffee or prepare hot tea to serve alongside.

Assemble the plate: place the oatmeal bowl with yogurt and granola, add the cooked eggs, bacon and sausage patty to the plate, arrange the fresh fruit and toast. Serve immediately while hot.